2.13.2016

Go forth, O Christian soul, from this world, in the name of God the Father Almighty, who created thee; in the name of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who suffered for thee; in the name of the Holy Spirit, who was poured forth upon thee; in the name of the glorious and ever blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God; in the name of St. Joseph, chaste Spouse of the same Virgin; in the name of the Angels and Archangels; in the name of the Thrones and Dominations; in the name of the Principalities and Powers; in the name of the heavenly Forces, Cherubim and Seraphim; in the name of the Patriarchs and Prophets; in the name of the holy Apostles and Evangelists; in the name of the holy Martyrs and Confessors; in the name of the holy Monks and Hermits; in the name of the holy Virgins and of all the Saints of God: may they place be this day in peace, and thine abode in holy Sion. Through Christ our Lord.

2.09.2016

2.07.2016

Marco Rubio is my choice. I do not agree with the media's narrative of last night, of his supposed self-destruction. Everyone on that stage put their foot in their mouth at some point during those three hours - it happens, no one is perfect. Rubio clearly has some understanding of limited government, of the fundamental injustice of abortion, and speaks intelligently enough on the economy and foreign policy to compete with Hillary. He can handle hard questions and his answers generally do not make me squirm (a few moments from last night are the exception).

Ted Cruz would be a good candidate, but I do not believe he passes the "likeability" test. Politics these days is a popularity contest - witness President Barack Obama and his two terms - and conservatives would be wise to remember that the candidate we choose has to win the general election. Our candidate has to attract voters who generally do not pay attention to politics or concern themselves with political things. I believe that Rubio has a significant advantage over Cruz in this aspect.

Carly Fiorina is regrettably not electable, for whatever reason. The polls don't go her way. If she were still in contention she would probably have my vote because she is, as far as I can tell, the most competent, commanding and conservative character running for office. This is especially disappointing because as far as I can tell the media made this choice for the American people. Or maybe she needs a better "outreach" system or whatever.

I am especially disappointed in the way Dr. Ben Carson has performed in the last 8 months of the campaign. At the outset of primary season I was encouraged by his grasp of the language of republican (lowercase r intentional) politics. But it has become clear, especially last night, that his ability to command a room and his grasp of the details are lacking.

Trump is an egomaniac, entertaining at times, terrible at others, but ultimately empty.

Pretentious Precepts

"First Things means, first, that the first thing to be said about public life is that public life is not the first thing. First Things means, second, that there are first things, in the sense of first principles, for the right ordering of public life."

“A free society cannot survive if we are so free that nothing is expected of us.”